Doing good is a concept found throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelations, we are called to do what is right and act kindly towards our neighbors. In this article, we explore 10 of the most notable Bible verses about doing good. We’ll also answer some of the most commonly asked questions about doing good in the Bible.
Scripture about Doing Good
10 Bible Verses about Doing Good
Galatians 6:9 ESV
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Psalm 37:3 ESV
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Matthew 5:16 ESV
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Ephesians 2:10 ESV
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
James 2:14-17 ESV
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 4:17 ESV
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Colossians 3:23 ESV
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
John 3:16 ESV
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Galatians 6:10 ESV
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Luke 15:7 ESV
Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Scripture about Doing Good KJV
The Bible has many verses dedicated to the importance of doing good. One such verse found in the King James Version (KJV) is Proverbs 3:27, which states, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” My favorite Bible verse stemming from this Scripture is Proverbs 11:17 which reads “The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh”. This verse emphasizes that even if we don’t always receive reward for our acts of kindness, doing good does indeed benefit our own soul. Even if we cannot determine how and when our generosity will be repaid, God sees when we act out of kindness and love.
https://www.openbible.info/topics/doing_good
FAQ about Doing Good in the Bible
Throughout the Bible, God emphasizes the importance of doing good. In James 2:14–17 He instructs us to take action and do good works rather than just saying we have faith. In Micah 6:8, He tells us that following His commands is more important than sacrificing gifts or offering burnt offerings. Additionally, in Romans 12:1–2, He encourages us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice and be transformed by renewing our minds; this is another way of saying be good and do good deeds. God’s word also teaches us about the consequences for not doing good; Proverbs 21:15 warns that those who fail to act kindly will face the Lord’s wrath. Ultimately, these verses from the Bible show us why it is essential to choose acts of kindness and carry out His laws.
The Bible is filled with verses that encourage us to do good in the world and emphasizes the importance of living a life characterized by righteousness. In Galatians 6:10, we are instructed to “do good to all people” regardless of nationality or religion. This message is echoed in 1 Peter 4:8 which advises us to “love one another deeply” and proclaim the grace of God which brings salvation. 2 Corinthians 9:7 also reminds us that when we give cheerfully, God is pleased and provides a generous measure of blessing in return. All of these verses point to the understanding that doing good for others not only benefits them, but it also glorifies God and brings joy and satisfaction into our own lives.
Jesus was a firm believer in carrying out good deeds and showed us how to do so through His own actions. In Matthew 25:35–36, He said “For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed Me”. Jesus demonstrated unconditional love for others, even those who were considered “undesirables” at the time. He healed many people of their afflictions without asking for anything in return (Luke 4:40, John 5:9). Jesus also went out of His way to offer his compassion and forgiveness (Luke 7:44-50). Finally, He set an example by loving those who rejected Him (John 8:1-11) and teaching them the importance of kindness (Matthew 19:18-19). Jesus showed us that in all we do, it is essential to go about doing good for others.
The Bible tells us that God is pleased when we carry out acts of kindness and generosity (Proverbs 11:17). Doing good not only pleases the Lord, but it also brings rewards right here on earth. In Luke 6:35, Jesus said, “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” This verse tells us that when we do good without expecting anything in return, God will bless us with a great reward. Ultimately, doing good is not only beneficial for others but for our own souls. Even if we cannot determine how and when our generosity will be repaid, God sees when we act out of kindness and love.